America doesn't recognise, respect your stardom; I was a cab driver just to put food on the table — Actor

Renowned Nollywood actor Femi Brainard has shared his challenging journey of resilience and humility during his time as a cab driver in the United States.

According to the actor, there is a difference in the recognition he received in Nigeria and abroad.

In a conversation with veteran comedian Teju Oyelakin, known as Teju Babyface, on his podcast, Brainard opened up about the difficulties he encountered when he migrated to the United States to provide for his family.

The 53-year-old actor revealed that he faced a period of difficulty for subjecting his wife to a challenging life as a cab driver, particularly when she initially opposed the idea of relocating abroad.

"I became a cab driver in America just to put food on the table. Whenever people see me, especially Nigerian passengers, they often stare at me in disbelief, wondering if I'm indeed the familiar star they recognize. America does not recognize your stardom, nor does it respect your celebrity," Brainard shared.

He reflected on the emotional struggles he faced, recounting a moment when he cried in the parking lot of their apartment when financial difficulties hit him hard.

Brainard further expressed the challenges of being perceived as a cab driver by fellow Nigerians who could not reconcile the image of a celebrity engaging in such menial work.

"At times it would be so hard, I no go get money for hand. That day I went to the parking lot of our apartment, I cried, na me bring this woman here. Yankee no know star o… I had to feed my family," he recounted.